IPV Prevention Among FDP

Forcibly displaced women and their male partners experience compounding social and structural vulnerabilities to intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health challenges, yet rigorous studies or examples of evidence-based interventions that seek to prevent and reduce IPV and mental health problems among forcibly displaced populations (FDPs) who seek asylum and rebuild their lives in the United States (US) are scarce. Guided by the the Assessment, Decision, Adaptation, Production, Topical experts-integration, Training, and Testing (ADAPT-ITT) framework, Cascade Implementation Framework, and NIMH experimental therapeutics approach, we propose to address this gap in research and practice by (1) adapting the Economic and Social Empowerment (EA$E) curriculum for US-based FD Congolese couples, (2) using a hybrid type 2 pilot study design to explore preliminary effects of EA$E-US on IPV, mental health outcomes and intermediary outcomes, and (3) examining implementation processes and outcomes

Inclusion Criteria: * couples who are: * 18 years or older * Married or in a relationship and currently living with your spouse / partner * Came to the U.S. within the past 5 years * Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo * Fluent in Kinyarwanda, Kinyamulenge, and/or Kinyabwisha * Current or past client of the International Rescue Committee Exclusion Criteria: * 1\) not fluent in Kinyarwanda, Kinyamulenge or Kinyabwisha, 2) people who are currently seeking legal protection against an abusive partner and/or are engaged in IRC provided case management services for IPV.